Heraklion Luxury Sailing Catamaran Dia Island | Gourmet Menu

Crete looks best from the water. This 5.5-hour cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island combines a modern catamaran, a chef-prepared Mediterranean meal, swimming, snorkeling, SUP boards, and an open bar. I especially like the freshly cooked seafood menu and the crew’s attentive, warm service, both of which earn the strongest praise. I also like that the boat has plenty of shaded space, proper toilets, a shower, and room to relax.

The main consideration is price. At $141 per person, this costs more than a basic boat trip, but you are paying for a newer vessel, a small group of up to 22 people, food prepared onboard, equipment, and included drinks. Rough sea conditions can also limit swimming or water activities, as happened on one reported outing, so this is not a guaranteed action-packed day.

Key Details At A Glance

• Chef-prepared seafood lunch: Fresh Mediterranean food is cooked onboard, with chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus available if requested in advance.
• A comfortable semi-private setting: The catamaran carries a maximum of 22 participants, giving the trip a calmer feel than a large excursion boat.
• Dia Island swimming stop: You get about 3 hours and 15 minutes at a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are available throughout the cruise. Cocktails cost extra and require a request.
• A well-equipped boat: You have access to snorkeling gear, swimming vests, fishing equipment, SUP boards, canoe boards, inflatables, a shower, toilets, and free Wi-Fi.
• Strong service record: The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 312 reviews, with special praise for the crew, food, boat condition, and sunset return.

Leaving Heraklion From Cafe Marina

Your day begins at the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member meets you there and walks you to the catamaran, so finding the boat should be straightforward. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule, and this is not the kind of excursion where a late arrival is easily absorbed.

The first welcome is handled nicely. You receive coffee, Cretan cake, and local delicacies before a short safety briefing. Gourmet platters with assorted cheeses and cold cuts are also part of the food service, so you are not waiting until lunch to eat.

The safety talk matters because this is an active day on the water. You may be swimming, using a paddleboard, climbing from the boat into the sea, or riding in a canoe board. Swimming vests are available, and the crew keeps safety in view without turning the trip into a lecture.

The boat speaks English and Greek, and the crew is certified and qualified. Thanasis is identified in several accounts as a personable captain who made a point of talking with people onboard while keeping the journey calm and professional. That friendly approach seems to be a real strength of the company.

Koules Fortress And The First Sea Views

The cruise begins near Heraklion’s historic Koules Fortress, also called Rocca a Mare. You get a short photo stop of about five minutes, along with views of the harbor and the fortress from the water.

Do not expect a full fortress visit. This is a scenic introduction, not a history tour or shore excursion. Still, it gives you a good opening photograph and a different angle on one of Heraklion’s most recognizable sights.

Once the catamaran leaves the port, the trip settles into roughly an hour of sailing toward Dia Island. This is the time to find your favorite place onboard. The vessel is described as new, spacious, clean, and well maintained, with shaded areas as well as sunny places for sitting.

That balance is important in Crete. Strong sun can make a boat trip tiring if there is nowhere to escape it. The black shades and tented areas were especially useful to people who wanted sea views without sitting in full sun all morning.

The catamaran has a WC for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi. Those may sound like small details, but they make a half-day at sea far easier, particularly for families or anyone who dislikes roughing it. You can stay connected, although the better choice may be to put the phone away and watch the Aegean.

Reaching Dia Island’s Sheltered Bay

Dia Island is linked to Greek myth and is said to have been shaped by Zeus. The myth adds atmosphere, but the real attraction is simpler: clear water, quiet coves, and coastline accessible by boat rather than road.

The catamaran anchors in one of Dia’s sheltered bays. The exact conditions will depend on the day, but the stop is planned as the main event, with about 3 hours and 15 minutes for food, swimming, water sports, and free time.

You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment and swimming vest, then explore the water around the boat. The seabed is described as full of life, although you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a relaxed snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine expedition, and visibility and sea conditions can change.

The equipment list is generous:

• Snorkeling gear and swimming vests
• Fishing gear
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Canoe boards
• Inflatable sea toys
• Swimming noodles

You can make the stop as active or lazy as you like. Some people will want to paddle, fish, or snorkel. Others will prefer to sit under the shade, float for a while, and take photos of the rocky coast.

Sea scooters are not included. They are available only by advance booking, with requests handled by priority order. If that is important to you, arrange it before departure rather than assuming one will be available.

One practical point is worth keeping in mind: the sea controls the schedule more than the brochure does. On a day with poor conditions, some activities may be limited. The crew can still provide food, drinks, scenery, and care, but you should not book this solely for paddleboarding or snorkeling.

A Gourmet Lunch Made Onboard

Food is the feature that most clearly separates this cruise from a basic sailing outing. A chef prepares a premium Mediterranean seafood menu onboard using local ingredients. The meal is served as part of the experience, rather than as a simple sandwich or buffet.

Seafood risotto with Greek kantaifi shrimp receives particular praise, and it sounds like one of the more distinctive dishes offered. Other menus have included a chicken option described as a cheesy lasagne-style dish, along with meat and vegetarian choices.

You need to notify EOS Yachts at least one day before the cruise if you want a menu change. Options include:

• Fresh seafood
• Chicken
• Vegetarian food
• A children’s menu

That advance notice is important. Do not wait until you are stepping aboard if someone in your group has a dietary preference or does not eat seafood.

The included bar serves unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer. Seasonal fruit, a local Cretan dessert, and raki follow the main meal. Cocktails are not included, though they can be requested separately.

I like this arrangement because the drinks support the whole day rather than appearing only at lunch. You can have a glass of wine with the meal, a beer after swimming, or water whenever you need it. The crew is repeatedly praised for keeping glasses topped up without making the service feel stiff.

Food prepared on a boat can be a gamble, but the reports here are unusually consistent. The chef’s work is repeatedly described as fresh, generous, and restaurant-quality. That is a major part of the value at $141, especially when you add the equipment and open bar.

Sailing Back Toward Heraklion

After lunch, you have more time for a final swim or a quiet spell on deck. This second stretch of free time keeps the day from feeling like a rushed swim stop followed by an immediate departure.

The return sail takes about an hour. The light often softens late in the day, and the views across the Aegean become one of the cruise’s best moments. Several accounts describe the sunset return as unforgettable, although the exact light depends on the departure time and season.

This is also when the crew serves more drinks, fruit, and local dessert. If you have spent the afternoon swimming, the food is welcome. If you prefer to relax, you can simply sit back and watch Heraklion grow closer.

Dolphins and seabirds may appear during the journey. They are possible sightings, not a promise, so treat them as a bonus rather than a reason to book.

The boat returns to Cafe Marina in Heraklion Port. The full experience lasts about 5.5 hours, making it practical for a half-day plan. You still have time to visit Heraklion’s museums, explore the old town, or have dinner elsewhere.

What The $141 Price Really Buys

At first glance, $141 is a serious price for a half-day cruise. You can find cheaper boat trips around Crete, especially those using larger vessels and simpler food.

Here, the comparison needs to include what comes with the fare. You receive:

• A modern catamaran with a maximum of 22 participants
• A certified English-speaking crew
• Coffee and Cretan snacks
• Cheese and cold-cut platters
• A chef-prepared main meal
• Seasonal fruit, dessert, and raki
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer
• Snorkeling, fishing, SUP, and canoe equipment
• Inflatables and swimming noodles
• Toilets, a shower, and Wi-Fi

The boat itself is another part of the equation. People who have tried older sailing vessels found the newer catamaran more spacious, cleaner, and more comfortable. The group size also matters. A maximum of 22 is not private, but it is much more personal than a large day boat packed with dozens of people.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. Pickup and private transportation can be requested, so ask about that if you are staying away from central Heraklion. Cocktails and sea scooters also cost extra.

For a special occasion, the price becomes easier to justify. The crew has arranged birthday cakes and surprises for people who noted celebrations in their booking details. If you are marking a birthday, anniversary, or family milestone, include that information ahead of time.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This trip suits you if you want a comfortable day at sea with good food and several ways to spend your time. It works well for couples, families, small groups, and people who want something more polished than a basic harbor cruise.

Families should appreciate the children’s menu, swimming vests, shaded areas, inflatables, and canoe equipment. Parents can join the water activities or stay onboard while children play nearby.

It is also a good choice for a celebration. The crew’s attention to birthdays is a pleasant extra, and the spacious boat gives you room to sit together without feeling packed in.

You may want a different experience if your main goal is serious sailing, a long island visit, or intense snorkeling. There is no extended shore exploration of Dia Island, and the cruise is built around comfort, food, and time in the bay.

People prone to seasickness should also think carefully. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a boat crossing open water. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, and consider your own comfort on the sea before committing.

Simple Booking Tips For A Better Day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will have access to the equipment you need for the water, but those personal basics are not supplied.

Submit the required details for every person at booking or no later than one day before departure. Greek naval regulations require each participant’s full name, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality, and gender.

Give meal requests at least one day’s notice. This is especially important for vegetarian food, chicken, children’s meals, or any change from the main seafood menu.

Arrive 15 minutes early at Marina Café. Since departure is exact, do not count on walking up at the last minute.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available departure time when booking, since the schedule affects how much sunset light you may see on the return.

Should You Book EOS Yachts?

Book it if you value service, food, and comfort as much as swimming. The strongest reasons are the new catamaran, the small maximum group size, the genuinely ambitious onboard cooking, and a crew that pays attention without hovering.

At $141, this is not the cheapest way to reach Dia Island. It is a good value for a polished half-day with lunch, drinks, gear, and a quiet bay all included. If you want a simple, low-cost boat ride, save your money. If you want a special day that feels close to a private charter without paying for the whole boat, EOS Yachts is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the Dia Island catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, including the sailing time between Heraklion and Dia Island.

Where does the cruise begin?

The meeting point is at the entrance to Marina Café in Heraklion Port. An EOS Yachts crew member guides you to the catamaran.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The cruise leaves exactly on time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef prepares a Mediterranean seafood meal onboard. Chicken, vegetarian, and children’s menus are available if requested at least one day ahead.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included. Cocktails are available on request but are not part of the standard fare.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoe boarding, inflatable sea toys, and swimming noodles are included. Sea scooters require advance booking and cost extra.

Does the boat have a toilet and shower?

Yes. The catamaran has toilets for men and women, a shower, and free Wi-Fi.

How many people can join the cruise?

The semi-private cruise has a maximum of 22 participants. Private charter options are also available by request.